No. 99.
Mr. Hurlbut to Mr. Fish.
May 4, 1872. (Received May 6.)
Sir: On arriving at A spin wall I found the steamer Virginius still blockaded by the Spanish man-of-war Pizarro.
Bourne, the captain of the Virginius, applied to me for protection. Correoso, the President of Panama, also informed me that the neutrality of Colombian waters was threatened, and applied, both in capacity of President of the State and agent of the national government, for aid, in case it should be required. On investigation I can find no offense provable against the steamer, other than running the blockade to Cuba from Venezuela.
Both Colombia and Venezuela have recognized the Cubans as belligerents.
[Page 157]The United States ship of war Kansas arrived at Aspinwall shortly before my departure, and I considered it my duty, on consultation with Consul Perry, to request the commanding-officer of that ship to await the arrival of the mail-steamer from New York, due 25th or 26th April, and in case no other instructions should come by her, or by the Wyoming, to convey the Virginius to sea, out of reach of the blockading-vessel. That communication, in writing, I had not time to copy for the Department before my departure, but requested Mr. Perry to send it forward. I presume a copy has been forwarded to the Navy Department by Captain White.
I do not believe the Spaniard will attempt violence under the guns of the Kansas. If he does, he ought to be punished; and I have no doubt he will be.
It appeared to me to be a plain duty to address the official request which I did to Captain White of the Kansas, and I think he will be governed by it.
I am, &c.,
United States Minister.